Did Fantasia Barrino Want to End it All

Was this a publicity act, or a mother who thought nothing of leaving a 9-year old little girl motherless over a man? Fantasia Barrino tells VH1 it was no accident. August 9th 2010 the idol winner was rushed to the hospital after taking a bottle of aspirin and some sleeping pills. She was released on the 11th and is said to be doing well.

Fans, media and inquiring minds are questioning what caused this talented young woman to cave in and try to commit what police reportedly are calling an attempted suicide.

Did Fantasia overdose for publicity
In a radio interview with Gale King on the 24 August 2010 Fantasia talks about what led up to the incident. Gayle asked if it was all a publicity stunt because her new album and show is coming out, and Fantasia said, "Well, you know, I want people to understand...I was trying to get away from publicity. There was (pause) so many things being said, there was Nancy Grace, there was Larry King, newspapers, magazines, radio stations...even on the Gospel station there was talk about this whole situation...I wanted to be away from all of that...you know...um...I don't need any more publicity..."

The publicity she wanted to get away from was all-negative, explosive reports about her lover's wife may sue Fantasia for breaking up the marriage, North Carolina is one of seven states where one can sue a "home wrecker" a tort called "the alienation of affections," spread like a wildfire. In addition, rumors of alleged sex tapes of Fantasia and Mr. Cook (while still a married man) slammed the headlines.

All this came out shortly before her latest album was scheduled for release; on August 24th, which at the time was right around the corner. Negative publicity can destroy a career; many would argue it was nothing more than an old industry tactic, create a new buzz and distract the audience.

Did Fantasia put a man before her child
There is a lot of criticism about Fantasia as a mother; the speculation that she selfishly attempted suicide over a man and did not care about the 9-year-old little girl who would have been left motherless if she died is causing a lot of backlash. Gayle King touched on that subject and asked, "Even the love of Zion [her daughter] wasn't enough?" Fantasia's response, "It was so heavy that day...when we left, ah...the lawyer's office that day I told Brian [her manager] I feel like I'm about to have a nervous breakdown..."

Only Fantasia knows what caused her to down a bunch of pills, life in general comes with a lot of stress one can only imagine how magnified it might be when your whole life is in the lime light. Ah, the price one pays for stardom.

If it was a suicide attempt, let us hope that Fantasia gets help to cope with over-whelming feelings and pressure so her daughter does not lose her mother. Suicide is serious, and the emotions associated are powerful. On the other hand, if it was the allegations of a sex tape made with a married man and a possible home wrecker lawsuit, hopefully a lesson is learned about the possible consequences of dating a married person. You can listen to Fantasia's interview with Gayle King, but do not be too quick to judge or condemn. She is a young woman, and as she says, she does have feelings.